Coveted midfielder Hussein El Shahat has marked his debut call-up for World Cup 2018 qualifiers Egypt by completing a permanent three-year switch to Arabian Gulf League champions-elect Al Ain.
El Shahat, 25, has proved a revelation at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium since he was snapped up on a six-month loan from Misr lel-Makkasa in January for $500,000. An exceptional seven goals and 12 assists have since been registered in 12 appearances across all competitions.
After they failed to include a buyout clause in the original deal, the Boss had been locked in talks to see off widespread interest from the likes of Cairo giants Al Ahly, Turkey’s Besiktas plus a host of clubs throughout the Arabian Gulf.
Such stellar form also saw him named by Pharaohs manager Hector Cuper for this month’s friendlies against Portugal and Greece. When training with his international team-mates in a freezing Switzerland on Tuesday night, an announcement was made by an exuberant Al Ain about their sealing of a deal until 2021 for a transfer fee of Dh11 million.
“I would like to thank coach Zoran Mamic, the management team and my colleagues for the excellent and stimulating atmosphere within the team,” said El Shahat, who has recovered from a slight injury sustained in Saturday’s 3-2 win at Al Jazira.
In addition to making a late charge for Egypt’s squad for Russia, El Shahat is also concentrating on a decisive part of Al Ain’s campaign.
They hold a four-point advantage in the top flight, remain in the President’s Cup and are in a tight Group D in the 2018 AFC Champions League.
El Shahat wanted to guarantee his new employers experience a memorable 50-year anniversary.
He said: “I have to show my best in order to achieve local and continental titles, in conjunction with this great club’s golden jubilee.”
